November 16, 2014

It's crazy to me how quickly the weeks, and weekends, seem to fly by lately. It's become this weird cycle where I feel anxious for the work week on Sunday night, and before I know it it's the weekend again.

This past weekend was fabulous though. Friday night EH and I ventured to North Little Rock to meet friends for Dumb & Dumber To. It was pretty funny -- we definitely laughed throughout! But nothing compared to the original.

But you really can't overshadow this classic scene:

Saturday, we meet EH's sister and her two girls, as well as father in-law and his wife for lunch at Cafe Bossa Nova. Neither of us had been before which is surprising since we love every other restaurant in the Hillcrest District but we finally made it and it was as delicious as we expected.

We even had a surprise visit from Santa! Which terrified our niece at first until Santa greeted her by name (great touch, EH!). He also made her promise to leave some carrots out for his hard working reindeer.

Our niece has a really cute Christmas wish list - sparkly cowboy boots, a Barbie, a Barbie House, and a Barbie TREE! So cute. Surely there is a Barbie Tree out there right?

After lunch we tracked down a one-horse sleigh and went for a ride, wrapped up under warm blankets.

Our trusty steed was named Hugo. He was a sweetheart.

The walk back included a very intense conversation about acorns. Or "acerns" as EH was trying to get her to say.

The rest of our weekend involved watching our Razorbacks take back the Boot!, pot roasts in the crock pot, and crackling fires in the fireplace. Like I said, it's been a wonderful weekend.

October 23, 2014

Something about starting and integrating into a new job, and coming home and supporting your Husband while he studies for the biggest test of his career - it just really brings out the exhaustion in a girl.

But we are powering through. Every stress we have right now are positive stresses. Is there such a thing? I guess so - something about shouldering the weight of the present knowing it will pay out in the future. That has to be some sort of victory.

There are times it feels really hard - and draining. I still go to work and have days where I feel like I have no idea what I'm doing. Which sort of stinks to be honest. But then I will have days - or hours of a day - where it all is starting to click and man, that feels great!

It's also been stressful because we're the night before EH's biggest test ever. He's had his own roller coaster of events with his career and though that has settled, the biggest exam of his career is happening tomorrow and it's overwhelming to know that it's here and holycrapthiseffectsthingsdowntheroad.

But - we're packing his bag for tomorrow (all day test - he needs snacks!) and getting his materials together and my greatest hope in the entire world is I hope we both breathe a huge sigh of relief late tomorrow. No matter what the outcome is, though I have no doubt that it will turn out great.

So that is where we are. Busy and stressed but on the very cusp of some wonderful things.

October 20, 2014

I actually don't mind Mondays. Tuesdays are the real problem. I digress though - here's what we've been up to lately.

Last Friday was my 27th birthday. I guess that really puts me in the late 20's bracket. 26 was an interesting year for me. I had struggles with work, definitely felt more stress than previous years (still less than some though, I figure it all evens out), but I'm glad it all happened because life right now is pretty dang great.

After celebrating with friends on Friday night (of which I have some of the greatest!), EH and I headed out Saturday for the sole Razorback game here this season. Which is bittersweet in itself since we're down from 2, but we made the most of it.

Unfortunately we didn't win but we're definitely on our way back up! Not to mention it's always fun to tail gate. That in itself is a definite victory.Other than that we don't have a whole lot going on. EH has a big test coming up on Friday so that's where all of our focus lies. After he makes it through that, we'll be headed to one of my BF's wedding where I have no doubt we will dance all that pre-test-stress away.Hope you have a great rest of the week!

October 13, 2014

Hope everyone has had a happy Monday! It was a dreary, rainy Monday here but I don't mind the gloomy weather. It always makes me feel cozy.

In keeping with the cozy fall spirit, I've picked up a few items to help transition into cooler weather.

I noticed a red vest on Old Navy's instagram on Saturday and after lunch with EH (at PotBelly's - new here and so good!) I raced over to snag one for myself.

I wanted the thinner option they had but they were out of my size. I do prefer the color of this one and the weight is perfect for our mild winters here. The collar is a smidge too thick but not overwhelming. I'm happy with it!

I also picked up this cardigan and sweater. At least..I think this is the sweater. It looks different in person - more like a piko. Maybe I'm just not finding it online. Mystery.

I had kind of given up on Old Navy for awhile - they had some great pieces but it felt like the quality had gone a little to the wayside. These items feel a lot sturdier. Only time will tell!

While searching for a dress for an upcoming wedding, I also scored this dress from Lulu's on sale! $25 and I think it will be adorable with my collection of booties I have acquired.

Gahh, I can't wait for it to get here. I've never ordered from LuLu's before but the reviews were great and I couldn't pass up a $25 dress that is perfect for work and happy hour. I'll make sure to do a review once it comes in!

October 5, 2014

One of the plus sides to EH having to study pretty much all the time is that we (or I really, since he's studying) get a weekend with no big plans. I love having fun things to look forward to, but after what feels like a marathon of events, the no plans weekend feel pretty great.

So while it doesn't make for a very thrilling blog post, here's what we were up to this weekend.

On Friday night, EH and I went to one of our favorite spots, US Pizza, and sat on the patio for drinks and pizza. Before we left I sent a selfie to a friend to compare outfits and only later realized the #photopom in the background.

This photo cracks me up for a number of reasons. The Simba-like pose of Moose, the obvious desire to stay OUT of the picture by EH...pure gold right here.

Saturday was very laid back. We attended a gender reveal party for some friends of ours (BOY! Which I totally called. Too bad there isn't a game show for this - I would so win every time) and caught up on our DVR. I also realized I reached a trifecta for booties. Now if only the weather down here would match up with my desire for fall fashion.

I also tried a little pattern mixing with plaid and cheetah print. Which I sort of failed to capture in this selfie. But don't worry, I made up for that with the obvious collection of dirty glasses to the left, and a worry of are my eyebrows crooked towards the center? This is why I don't selfie.

Other than that, it was a very laid back weekend for us. I got all my grocery shopping done, decorated the front porch, we cleaned out EH's closet (which included shirts from HS, go figure!) and made a huge batch of gumbo.

October 1, 2014

1 // October is my birthday month! 26 has been an eventful year but I think 27 is going to be even better.

2 // Though it hasn't felt like it lately (with it being almost 90 today and all), I'm pretty sure our forecast here is going to start calling for rainy, cooler Autumn days. I actually love rainy days - not just to wear cute rainboots! - so I'm looking forward to cozy nights at home with the sound of rain hitting our back patio tin roof.

3 // EH has spent the last several months studying for a big exam coming up. All of his hard work will hopefully pay off towards the end of this month and then the poor guy can have a life again! One not pouring over books all night, that is.

4 // Wiiith the weather hopefully cooling down, it's perfect for fall clothes. I've already purged my closet and moved all the summer items to the guest room to accommodate the bulkier sweaters, boots and scarves. I went ahead and picked up these booties and these booties to get me started.

5 // One of my best friends is getting married! It's so weird to think that we all met when we were freshman in college and now we're all grown up with jobs and husbands and some with babies. Time flies!

6 // I sort of cheated and already put some fall decor items out. EH was out of town and our house was really clean and it just felt right. I have big plans for a new wreath and a few other crafty items.

Aside from all of that, there are baby showers and gender reveals, pumpking patches, Halloween costumes and parties to think about. I think it's going to be the best month so far!

September 29, 2014

The past few weeks, or months really, have been insane. Between end of summer trips, EH studying for a huge test next month, and oh, y'know - the little matter of starting a new job, it's just been crazy.

So yea, in case you missed it in that opening paragraph, I got a new job! I'm out of the life insurance business and now more into the marketing/promotional world of business. So far it's going great and it's fun to finally go into work every day and not only learn something new, but learn about something that actually interests me.

Which, surprise, life insurance did not.

I'm also slowly starting to pick up some side projects that I'm pretty excited about. And with that, I've been trying to restructure how to keep myself organized. More on that coming soon! To tide you over and break up this wall of text, here are basically the only pictures I've managed to snag since I logged on here last.

Little Rock lovelies - have you tried any of the salads at Big Orange? Delicious. Though next time I won't mix in the red onion quite so much.

This picture sums up how I've felt lately.

I also couldn't resist and had to put a few fall items out. Someone get me a pumpkin spiced latte and I'll be set!

September 21, 2014

To start the weekend off, last Thursday night we joined up with the Create Little Rock Group to do a tour of Diamond Bear Brewery. Create Little Rock is a great young professionals group that hosts tons of fun events - this was our first but we are looking forward to participating in many more! And if you're local or non-local, just know that Diamond Bear Brewery has some of the greatest Arkansas brews you'll find.

Diamond Bear has not only their brewery, but they also offer a full service bar and restaurant. Plus a giant patio that is begging us to come hang out on a Sunday afternoon.

The tanks are all named after different music and television icons to make it easy for the workers to identify when a tank needs service or whatnot. This one was my favorite!

On Friday we headed to my IL's to have dinner for my MIL's birthday. This meant lots of face time with our nieces! I melt whenever EH holds this one. This one is an old soul, I'm telling you.

The rest of the weekend included sleeping in, watching our Razorbacks win another victory, and basically being lazy. Though I'm not seeking it out, this upcoming week is full of big changes - all for the good! Exciting stuff coming up and I can't wait to share!

September 15, 2014

Fort Worth, Texas has a very dear spot in my heart since it is where I was born and spent a majority of my childhood growing up. Though it's been well over a decade since I have lived there, something about going back always feels like home. So when my best friend N decided to have her bachelorette party there, I was over the moon!

Friday afternoon another friend C met me right after I left work and we made the 5.5 hour drive to meet the rest of the group. 12 girls in all - some I had met and a few that were new faces.

Photo Courtesy of www.eatsblog.dallasnews.com

After getting cleaned up, we jumped into a couple of taxis and headed to The Woodshed Smokehouse which features almost any type of meat you want along with an impressive selection of beers and other cocktails. Even dogs are welcome on the huge patio! The only downside was the weather - it was misty and chilly and very few of us had the foresight to pack for the conditions.

On Saturday after a quick stop to Target to pick up some warmer clothes, our group headed to Cowtown Cycle Party. I'll be completely honest - I was maybe just a little bit dreading this because I haven't really pedaled anything in forever and I worried about falling off and really just couldn't imagine what this was going to be like. Below is my "I'm smiling because I'm a little nervous but I don't want you to know that" face.

Well. It was amazing. We had the funniest driver, great music blaring, lots of beer (which made the pedaling SO much easier, who knew?), and it was contagious seeing people on the side of the street and in their cars and restaurants getting such a kick out of watching us slooowwwly pedal up the street. We stopped at a few different bars for people to take shots, danced while pedaling up and down the street and really just had a great time. I've been talking about it nonstop ever since!

I've always loved how we are brunette - ginger - blonde. Two of my favorites!

Our last stop! That's the Bachelorette out in front. Love these girls! If you are in the DFW area and decide to give it a whirl, ask for Roger (aka Raja!) - he was the best driver!After another round of putting ourselves back together it was time for the lingerie shower. I'll spare the pictures for the sake of N (who is always a GREAT sport!) but my favorite were the masks.

It was so much fun reconnecting with my best friends - I hate being so spread out but distance doesn't phase us once we're all reunited.

Our hotel lobby had a guitarist playing as we waited for our shuttle where we danced and sang along to some of our favorite songs.Once our designated driver showed up we headed to one of my all time favorite restaurants - Grace. Please believe me if you pass through Fort Worth and need a great dinner spot, please stop in. You will not be disappointed!

I couldn't get enough pictures with our guest of honor! One of the most fun and genuine people I know.After dinner it was more bar hopping, drinks, and the taxi ride home recapping the highlights of the weekend. I absolutely love these girls and I can't wait to reconnect in a few short weeks to celebrate N's wedding!While the last few weeks have been fun, I would be remiss if I didn't admit that I'm really happy to be home with no plans in the foreseeable future. My DVR and the Mooser were starting to have separation anxiety I think!

September 12, 2014

Even though it's been a short week for us (we got back to work on Wednesday), I'm still happy that it's Friday! Here's a short recap and some plans for the upcoming weekend.1 // One thing Texas has over Arkansas is the fact that they have Jack in the Box. EH and I ate our weight on both trips in 99 cent tacos. Which seems really kind of gross but worth it.2 // After being at the beach, I'm loving that this week has been rainy and cooler. I wore my Hunter rain boots for the first time yesterday and it just felt right. Bring on fall!3 // Moose must really like warm laundry, or he's not ready for me to pack everything up again for another weekend away.

4 // My best friend is on her way to my house to be picked up after work today - then we're making a getaway for our friend's bachelorette weekend. The weekend includes the usual drinks, dining out and dancing but we're also doing a fun booze cycle party! I'm really excited but also hesitant because in no way am I in shape and we're the ones powering our vehicle! Fingers crossed for me?5 // The major downside of being away this weekend is I'm missing my sweet niece's 3rd birthday party. My SIL always goes all out and this year her theme is Candy Land! I asked EH to take lots of pictures though and I'll have to give her extra birthday hugs when I see her.Have a great weekend y'all!

In between frolicking in the waves Moose hung out with us under a towel tent EH set up to lay in the shade.

At night we enjoyed the amazing sunsets and island scenes.

On our last day we did some bay fishing where I caught a shark! It was a huge shock and while it was exciting, I hope to stick to the cute little catfish next time instead. You may be able to tell from the pictures and my expressions.

Luckily the deck hand was okay to pose the shark for me. I named him Steve.

This was my only catch of the day but the rest of our group consistently pulled in red fish, catfish and a few other types. Our boat crew were hilarious and while I don't want to catch another shark anytime soon, it was a great experience.

After all of that excitement we finished up our trip with one last afternoon on the beach.

We wrapped up the trip with home cooked fish from our trip and deep conversations withe Mooser.

Where he promptly passed out after all of the beach activities.

All in all it was a wonderful last getaway for the summer. Have you had any fun last minute summer plans?